Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier

Over 100 km of hiking trails will show you the park's most scenic landscapes. As you walk by a turbulent river or through a yellow birch stand, the trail may open out on to an exceptional view.

Period: year-round, depending on the trails

Please note that Le Draveur Nord trail is closed until September 29, 2017.

Table of trails

Discover Park Path Explorer

Pilot project authorizing dogs on site in the park

Since May 20, 2016, a pilot project is in place, authorizing the presence of dogs in the park, in order to measure how visits and the natural environment might be affected. Applicable rules and authorized sites

Like the first explorers of the Jacques-Cartier River, discover this majestic valley by canoe. Ideal for white-water experts, this fast-moving vessel is perfect for long trips and has plenty of room for cargo. This type of boat is open (no deck) and can be used in a river up to class 2 (light current, few rapids). The capacity is 2 people with luggage. The minimum age for this activity is 12, except for the hourly rentals available at km 3.

You can rent canoes  by the hour, half day and full day

Periods: See the Information on shuttle routes and schedules

Advice for a day on the river

Discover Park Path Explorer

Guided excursions
On Saturdays and Sundays, from June 17 to September 4, 2017, a guide can accompany you on your trip, teaching you maneuvers and how to read the rapids. You’ll also learn about the characteristics of the park and the river.

Rates: $50.75/adult, $35.75/child

Reservation by phone: 1 800 665-6527

See our Sightseeing Run Package

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, here’s a great way to discover the dazzling scenery of the Jacques-Cartier Valley. The kayaks for rent at the park are of the open “sit-on-top” variety, which are easy to board and disembark. The more flared shape of their hulls and their width makes them stable in white water. Note that the wider tandem kayak is even more stable. The capacity for this kayak is 2 people for the tandem kayak and 1 person for the solo kayak. The minimum age for this activity is 12, except for the hourly rentals available at km 3.

You can rent kayaks by the hour, half day or full day.

Periods: See the Information on shuttle routes and schedules

Advice for a day on the river

Discover Park Path Explorer

Guided excursions
On Saturdays and Sundays, from June 17 to September 4, 2017, a guide can accompany you on your trip, teaching you maneuvers and how to read the rapids. You’ll also learn about the characteristics of the park and the river.

Rates: $52/adult, $37/child

Reservation by phone: 1 800 665-6527

See our Sightseeing Run Package

In groups or with the family, the miniraft is a popular way to explore the most active part of the river.  With its unsinkability, stability and simplified approach to white-water techniques, this watercraft is great for everyone, including children five and older. It’s big enough to offer plenty of space for carrying daypacks and a picnic. However, it is not as fast in calm water. The capacity is a minimum of 3 people and a maximum of 7 people with a daypack and a small cooler.

You can rent minirafts by the half day.

Periods: See the Information on shuttle routes and schedules

Advice for a day on the river

Guided excursions
On Saturdays and Sundays, from June 17 to September 4, 2017, a guide can accompany you on your trip, teaching you maneuvers and how to read the rapids. You’ll also learn about the characteristics of the park and the river.

Rates: $49/adult, $34.75/child

Reservation by phone: 1 800 665-6527

See our Miniraft Experience Package

The rabaska canoe is the perfect watercraft for small group excursions accompanied by a park warden-naturalist. To take part in this activity, see the program guide for guided discovery activities (in French only).

In the hot days of summer, come “trip” on the Jacques-Cartier. Get comfortable on your tube and savour a magnificent summer afternoon drifting gently down the river. Kids, aged more than 5, accompanied by an adult can also participate in this unique activity.

You can rent inner tubes by half day.

Period: June 17 to August 27 and September 2 to 4, 2017

Periods: See the Information on shuttle routes and schedules

Advice for a day on the river

Reservation by phone: 1 800 665-6527

To relive the ambiance of fishing camps from the early 20th century, reserve a fishing stay with accommodations. Best pick: the Devlin cabins (5) or the renowned Lac à l'Épaule Lodge! They sleep 4 to 14 people and offer a very attractive fishing plan.

Period: see the Fishing Package with Accomodations

You can fish for speckled trout on Rivière Jacques-Cartier and on some lakes in the l'Épaule, Jumeau and Sautauriski sectors. You can also go fly fishing on Lac Cook in La Vallée sector. You could also catch a young salmon in Rivière Jacques-Cartier. Throw it back in the water. Salmon fishing is prohibited in the park. A right of access for day fishing and a fishing licence are mandatory and may be purchased at the Discovery and Visitors Centre

Period: May 19 to September 10, 2017 or until the annual catch quota is filled.

NOTE: Please note that business hours for the Discovery and Visitors Centre have been changed. You can go online to purchase your entry pass and right of access for fishing if you plan on arriving before the Centre opens. Don’t forget to declare your catches by filling out the Day Fishing Authorization form, available at the Discovery and Visitors Centre.

Rates

Day Fishing Plan – 2017

Three mountain bike trails will show you the park's splendours. You have at your disposal over 30 km of trails, ranging in level from easy to very difficult.

Table of trails

Discover Park Path Explorer

The forests and bodies of water in Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier are home to a wide variety of plant and animals, which with a little patience and attention, can be spotted.

Québec’s 3 big cervidae share the territory. The moose is king of the Jacques-Cartier River valley. Whether you’re hiking or canoeing, keep your eyes peeled! Hikers often spot families of beavers on the Scotora trail. White-tailed deer and porcupines are also seen frequently.

Expert and amateur bird watchers are invited to take part in the summer and winter censuses. Over 130 bird species have been recorded in the park. To find out more, call 418 848-3169.

In spring, get your cameras ready and come take a closer look at the undergrowth on our trails, which is dotted with colourful trilliums, yellow trout lilies, and dicentras.

Our park warden-naturalists offer many discovery activities focussing on plant and animal life. See program (in French only)

Flora and fauna observation and identification guides are on available at Boutique Nature.

See the lists of wildlife species that live in the park (in French only).

Visitors of all ages are invited to try the natural toboggan hill in the heart of the valley. Guaranteed laughter for the whole family! Departure from Pôle Belleau (km 10).

Tubes are provided on site. It is forbidden to use personal equipment to slide.

Period: December 2016 to April 2017 (depending on snow conditions)

Chemin du Parc-National is open to vehicles up to the Discovery and Visitors Centre (km 10). Three parking options are available: the gatehouse parking lot (km 0), the Mountain Spuror parking lot or the Discovery and Visitors Centre parking lot (km 10).

The park has a network of 11 snowshoeing trails totalling 78.7 km. Take advantage of the freshly renovated Discovery and Visitors Centre to warm up or enjoy some delicious soup.

If you want to have a snack or warm up once the trails, drop in to any of the 4 huts with fireplace.

The park offers snowshoe rentals.

Period: December 2016 to April 2017 (depending on snow conditions)

Table of trails

Map of winter trails (in French only)

This winter there are several possibilities for backcountry skiing: Chemin de la Vallée (between km 10 and km 33) and the following trails: Draveur Sud, Rivière-Sautauriski, Rivière-à-l’Épaule and l’Incursion.

We remind you that the backcountry skiing trails are not groomed, packed or marked.

Backcountry Skiing

Have you ever had a chance to hear your skis gliding along fresh snow early in the morning before anyone else? You can have just such an experience at the park on the 55-km backcountry skiing circuit. It’s very physically demanding, but this 2-night/3-day adventure is a classic way to experience winter in Québec.

More information

Period: December 2016 to April 2017 (depending on snow conditions)

Table of trails

Long circuit suggestions

Map of winter trails (in French only)

Dress warmly and hike the snowy Chemin du Parc-National from the Discovery and Visitors Centre to Pont Banc (8-km hike). This trail runs along the Jacques-Cartier River and features breathtaking views on the surrounding mountains and the Sautauriski River delta.

* Chemin du Parc-Natioanl trail is accessible for winter sleds.

Map of winter trails (in French only)

Period: December 2016 to April 2017 (depending on snow conditions)

Enjoy a range of exciting winter activities at the Park, such as alpine touring, telemark skiing, snow surfing and snowshoeing in two sectors covering more than 150 hectares!

Periods:

Depending on snow conditions.

Belleau Sector:

Located close to the Discovery and Visitors Centre on the west bank of the Jacques-Cartier River, this off-trail sector covering 100 hectares (1 km²) features a 300-metre elevation. The sector can be accessed from the Discovery and Visitors Centre parking lot by crossing the Belleau bridge.

Map of the Belleau off-trail sector (in French only)

Matteucie Sector

Located 7 km from the Discovery and Visitors Centre, this more remote sector of the Park is sure to impress with mature birch stands, wild surroundings and a continuously rising slope. Covering 50 hectares (0.5 km²) of land, the sector features a 330-metre elevation.

These sectors are marked out, but they are not patrolled and groomed. A short walk is needed to reach the sectors. They are not suitable for beginners and are rather intended for experienced hikers. You are asked to exercise caution.

Map of the Matteucie off-trail sector (in French only)

Access: Depending on snow conditions (at least one metre of snow must be on the ground to open the sector)

Open or closed?

Contact us to know if this off-track area is accessible: 418 848-3169 and select the option # 4 or check the snow conditions online.

The park offers several routes for geocaching enthusiasts . Find out more on the Geocaching.com Web site.

A vast plateau overlooking the majestic valleys of the Jacques-Cartier, Chute and Sautauriski rivers, the backcountry of Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is found in a boreal forest, where moose is king.

Summer

On the plateaus of the Sautauriski River, adventure lovers will discover a 350 km2 territory that can be reached on foot or by mountain bike. The altitude varies between 700 m and 900 m.

The heads of Jacques-Cartier and Sautauriski Rivers are accessible to advanced whitewater canoeists and kayakers.

Summer backcountry area (in French only)

Winter

A 430 km2 territory can be reached on snowshoes, or backcountry, alpine touring or telemark skis. The altitude varies between 700 m and 900 m. Roads, old logging trails, summer trails and waterways are the most popular travel routes.

Winter backcountry area (in French only)

Reservation Terms and Conditions

To go into the backcountry, it is mandatory to have an access permit. See Reservation Terms and Conditions for all the important details.

Access and Parking

Period: year-round (access permit required)

Those bicycles, known as fatbikes, are equipped with oversized tires for ideal traction on snowy or sandy surfaces.

More than 20 km are offered between the Discovery and Visitors Centre and the Pont-Banc to practice this activity.

Fatbike rental is available at the park.

Table of trails

Information: 418 848-3169

Ride through the Jacques-Cartier river on a stand Up Paddle board. Hawaiian in origin, stand up paddling is an activity that combines surfing and kayaking. This board, designed for calm water, is longer, wider and thicker than standard surfboards designed for waves, and therefore more stable.

Only a short segment of the river without rapids is accessible for stand up paddle surfing. Standing on a big surfboard, paddle in hand, you can test your balance. It’s fast and easy to learn, and it’s guaranteed fun! We recommend that you rent the equipment for an hour. Rental includes the board, the paddle, and a life jacket.

Departure at the equipment rental centre at km 3.

Period: June 17 to August 27 and weekends until October 10, 2017

The Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier and Whisjack mountain and adventure centre (quality and safety accredited) team up to create the first ever adventure raid program in Quebec! On the program: 20 km to 70 km circuits combining road or mountain bike, trail running and river descent.

Accessible for both typical outdoor enthusiasts and more experienced athletes alike, these adventures are made in small groups and accompanied by Whisjack athletes-guides who will share their knowledge and help you discover their favorite places in the park.

Period: July 28 to October 15, 2017

Details and booking

A place for conservation and education, Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is a laboratory in a natural setting. Come to class with our dedicated park wardens or welcome them to your school! The beauty, integrity, and cultural/historical characteristics of this territory have inspired six recreational/educational activities. Aimed at young people in elementary or high school, these activities will help them get in touch with their environment, make them understand its fragility, and take them through a memorable real-world experience ...

Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is home to Lac-à-l'Épaule Lodge, from which comes the expression faire son lac-à-l'épaule. In Québec, this expression means to hold a meeting behind closed doors, away from curious outsiders. Come and hold your own meeting in this enchanting site.

You can also offer your employees a unique outdoor experience: hiking, discovery activities, rafting and picnicking.

Our 100-seat amphitheatre is a magnificent natural setting for all types of presentations.

To book, call 418 848-3599, ext. 6930